Default judgment in Alabama: how to set it aside

What a default judgment means and how to ask the court to set it aside, with a deadline calculator.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. File a motion to set aside the default judgment within 14 days after it is entered in District Court (including small claims), or within 30 days in Circuit Court. After that, a motion for relief from judgment under Rule 60(b) is possible: within 4 months for mistake, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, or within a reasonable time for other reasons, such as a void judgment.

Shortest time to ask
14 days (District Court (including small claims): motion to set aside)
Time to answer
14 days

If you didn't answer in Alabama

If you do not answer or do not come to trial, the judge can enter a default judgment for what the plaintiff asked. For a set amount of money, the clerk can enter it.

Asking the court to undo a default in Alabama

File a motion to set aside the default judgment within 14 days after it is entered in District Court (including small claims), or within 30 days in Circuit Court. After that, a motion for relief from judgment under Rule 60(b) is possible: within 4 months for mistake, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, or within a reasonable time for other reasons, such as a void judgment.

Law: Ala. R. Civ. P. 55(b), 55(c), 55(dc), 60(b); Ala. Small Claims Rule K

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

Interest and how long it lasts in Alabama

Interest after the judgment

A judgment on a contract earns interest at the rate stated in the contract. Other judgments earn 7.5% a year.

How long it lasts

If no execution is issued for 10 years, the judgment is presumed paid and must be revived by a court motion before it can be collected. A judgment cannot be revived after 20 years from its entry.

Law: Ala. Code §§ 8-8-10, 6-9-190, 6-9-191, 6-9-192

After a judgment in Alabama

Servicemembers

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Your next steps in Alabama

  1. Read the judgment

    Get the judgment from the clerk; the date on it starts your time limits.

  2. Mind the time limit

    In Alabama: File a motion to set aside the default judgment within 14 days after it is entered in District Court (including small claims), or within 30 days in Circuit Court. After that, a motion for relief from judgment under Rule 60(b) is possible: within 4 months for mistake, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, or within a reasonable time for other reasons, such as a void judgment.

  3. Explain why and show a defense

    Courts usually ask for a good reason and a real defense.

  4. Watch for garnishment

    Until it is set aside, the judgment can be collected: read After a judgment in Alabama.

Where to get free help in Alabama

Questions about default judgments in Alabama

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Alabama?

14 days after you are served in District Court, including small claims. 30 days after you are served in Circuit Court. Check your summons.

Can the plaintiff win by default in Alabama?

If you do not answer or do not come to trial, the judge can enter a default judgment for what the plaintiff asked. For a set amount of money, the clerk can enter it.

How do I set aside a default in Alabama?

File a motion to set aside the default judgment within 14 days after it is entered in District Court (including small claims), or within 30 days in Circuit Court. After that, a motion for relief from judgment under Rule 60(b) is possible: within 4 months for mistake, excusable neglect, new evidence or fraud, or within a reasonable time for other reasons, such as a void judgment.

Related Alabama pages

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources